Popps Mountain Dike
Popps Mountain Dike is a concrete dam located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, built in 1941. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Popps Mountain Dike
The primary purpose of Popps Mountain Dike is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Aquarion Water Company Of Connecticut (public utility). It impounds the Saugatuck River near Westport.
The dam stands 36 feet tall and stretches 670 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 868 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 42,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 34 square miles. Completed in 1941, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/03/2023.
At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 83% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Connecticut dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Connecticut |
| County | Fairfield |
| Nearest City | Westport |
| River/Stream | Saugatuck River |
| Coordinates | 41.25312, -73.34631 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Length | 670 ft |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 42,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 42,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 36,800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 868 acres |
| Drainage Area | 34 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/03/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00108 |
| Federal ID | CT00108S02 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |